Weekly Thought – September 30, 2014
Fred’s ability to cut through fluff astounded some, and disturbed others. His preference for truth could be unsettling. But oh, how helpful it was. In speaking of tough times he observed, “One mistake Christians often make is assuming going through hard times equals automatic spiritual growth. After the furnace, some walk out as giants; others melt down to midget-size.” The next two emails are excerpted from his thinking on perseverance – and its rewards.
Thank you for praying as we seek to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.” We are asking for discernment, open doors, and eager invitations. The work continues to grow and our eagerness does, too.
Rewards of Perseverance
“So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
My Mother lived this verse before five boys and a preacher husband. She modeled perseverance in and out of season. We reaped the rewards of a Mother who endured.
In writing and speaking about perseverance, I repeatedly say, “Perseverance is a process.” It is a process, not just for the exercise, but for the rewards. They are both satisfying and enduring.
1) Maturity is the first reward. The ability to see things in proper perspective gives us the vision to establish an understanding of our life choices. Maturity, also, allows us to understand the balance between rights and responsibilities. Responsibilities have a way of overlapping and forming a bond, while rights clash and break us apart. When we persevere, we clearly learn to focus on our responsibility to others, to our situation, and to our God while leaving the demands of rights behind. Tough times sand the rough edges off our “rights mentality.”
2) Character is the seat of our values and the custodian of our will. Our growth through perseverance builds character. We are promised in Romans 5 that in holding on we move through tribulation to character, and then to hope. We find ourselves in a state of grace. Character is more important than intelligence and even more than personality. It determines how we use both. Most failures I have seen are the result of faulty character, not personality or intelligence.
Our growth through perseverance builds character. We are promised in Romans 5 that in holding on we move through tribulation to character, and then to hope. We find ourselves in a state of grace. Character is more important than intelligence and even more than personality. It determines how we use both. Most failures I have seen are the result of faulty character, not personality or intelligence.
This week think about: 1) What am I currently learning about my character? 2) Who models a soul without fat? 3) Where can I apply Fred’s thought this week?
Words of Wisdom: “Character is the seat of our values and the custodian of our will.”
Wisdom from the Word: “An honorable man makes honorable plans; his honorable character gives him security.” (Isaiah 32:8 NET Bible)